Marginalisation of the Dan fishing community and relocation of Sanya fishing port, Hainan Island, China

When marginal groups face social transformation, they risk being unable to adapt and acquire equal developmental opportunities, slipping into ‘further marginalisation’. This paper explores the case of the Dan fishing community of Sanya City, Hainan, China. Efforts to transform Sanya City into an international island tourism destination involve plans to relocate Sanya fishing port and to clear the adjacent neighbourhood inhabited by the Dan people, traditionally a boat-dwelling people, who have long been marginalised relative to China’s land-oriented society. As their natural and social resources dwindle, the Dan of Sanya City must cope with the loss of their homes and livelihoods, as they are forced into the city’s suburbs and as the port relocation complicates the economics and practicalities of making a living from the fishing industry. This paper argues for greater attention to be given to local needs in the formulation of urban development strategies in island cities.